New Delhi buzzed with diplomatic fervor on Sunday as two top European Union leaders, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, received a ceremonial welcome upon their arrival. This grand reception, complete with a guard of honour, sets the stage for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations where they will serve as chief guests.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada personally greeted Costa at the airport, underscoring the warmth of India’s hospitality. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X: ‘India-EU: A partnership of trust and reliability. Welcoming European Council President Antonio Costa on his state visit to India. Greeted by MoS Commerce & Industry and MoS Electronics & IT Jitin Prasada.’
The leaders were formally honoured with a guard of honour, highlighting the deepening strategic ties between India and the EU. Jaiswal added that their presence at the Republic Day event on January 26 will further strengthen this vital partnership. Costa expressed his honour on X, noting his arrival a day before the 77th Republic Day for the 16th EU-India Summit. ‘Honoured to be in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day. Celebrating our strong and growing EU-India partnership from trade and security to clean transition and people-to-people ties.’
Von der Leyen arrived on Saturday, also welcomed by Prasada. The duo will represent the EU at the summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27. Prior to departure, Costa emphasized India’s indispensable role: ‘India is an essential partner for the EU. Together, we share the capacity and responsibility to defend a rules-based international order.’
This visit comes at a pivotal moment, with discussions expected to cover trade agreements, security cooperation, sustainable energy transitions, and digital partnerships. As India showcases its military might and cultural heritage on Republic Day, the presence of these EU stalwarts signals a new chapter in bilateral relations, promising enhanced collaboration on global challenges like climate change and geopolitical stability.
The summit is poised to build on recent progress, including ongoing free trade agreement negotiations and joint initiatives in green technology. With both sides committed to mutual growth, this diplomatic milestone reinforces India’s rising stature on the world stage and the EU’s strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region.
